Miami Heat draft target #3: JT Thor
JT Thor is a name that not many NBA fans knew before the NBA Combine. That’s when the forward really started to raise his draft stock.
Unlike other combine standouts, Thor impressed scouts and GMs simply due to his measurements. His height, wingspan, and other physical traits caused scouts to take notice.
He clocked in at 6-9, with a wingspan of 87 ¼ inches. His wingspan was the second-longest at the entire NBA combine.
Thor was a true freshman in his one year at Auburn. He got the chance to play with Sharife Cooper, one of the best passers in this year’s draft.
He averaged 9.4 points, five rebounds, and 0.9 assists last season. Thor shot 44% from the field and 29.7% from three-point range.
Despite this seemingly poor three-point shooting, Thor improved by the end of the year in that regard and showed even more promise at the combine. He shot 15-25 during his individual three-point drill.
Teams are most intrigued by Thor’s defensive potential. He averaged 0.8 steals and 1.4 blocks at Auburn, and his length gives him a huge advantage on that end of the floor.
Thor could be the perfect pairing next to Bam Adebayo if his shooting has truly improved. If he develops into the player many believe he could, the defense in Miami’s frontcourt would be unstoppable.
He turns 19 years old on August 26, so he’s one of the youngest players in the draft as well. Thor is the perfect example of a player who fits a need for the Miami Heat and could be worth trading up for.